Rotary engine



March 3, 1942. f E. l.. STRAUB 2527.5205- ROTARY rENGINE f Filed July 18, 195s 5 sheets-sheet '1 y ATTORNEY.

March 3, 1942. E. l.. STRAUB 2,275,205

' ROTARY ENGINE Filed July 18, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Z352 722@ @Q @i456 s2 \\\/06 64,46;

INVENTOR.

March 3, 1942. E. L. sTRAuB .ROTARY ENGINE Filed July 18, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR Y Elway-519005 W l ATTomEY March 3, 1942. E. l.. STRAUS 2,275,205

ROTARY ENGINE Filed July 18, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. 7c/ward L'SraL/ HMM e 2 2 Mrch 3, 1942. E. L. s-T'RAUB ROTARY ENGINE Filed July 18, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet' 5 1NvENToR. Edward L. 'raa Patented Mar. v3, 1942 UNITEl) STATES 'PATENT OFFICE Application .my 1s, 193s, serial No. 219,763

(oi. 12s- 13) 3 Claims.

The present invention refers to internal combustion engines of the so-called rotary type, and has for its principal object the development of a simple, reliable and low oost prime mover.

Another object of the invention resides in the provision of rotatable vlobes as eective areas for application of pressure gases, and which lobes are adapted to nest within recesses formed within rotatable combustion chambers wherein air and fuel are compressed and then ignited for the development of power.

A further object of the invention resides in the novel provision of means to inject fuel into the rotatable combustion chambers, above men- `tioned, wherein fuel is introduced through the powel` shaft and thensprayed by injection through the said 'lobes into the combustion chambers aforementioned.

A still further object of the invention resides in the formation of power lobes as above mentioned, which lobes are adapted to enter the said rotatable combustion chambers in such manner as to effectively seal the said chamber against loss of compression from the beginning of coi'npression until the completion of the power stroke.

An additional feature of the invention resides in the novel means employed to retain all rotatable elements in .synchronous relation, the said means including intermittent engagement of said power lobes and said rotatable combus- A tion chambers.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention may appear from the accompanying specification, the drawings, and the appendedclaims.

In the drawings, of which there are three sheets:

Figure .1,is a transverse sectional elevation showing essential construction of the engine ofthis invention. Y

Figure 2 is a mid-vertical sectional elevation taken substantially along line 2-2, in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is adetail partially in section showing.

the arrangement used to inject fuel vinto the combustion chambers.

Figure 4 is a detautaken on une 4 4, in Fig-` ure `3, showing the cams `which are adapted to variably increase the rate of fuel injection.

Figure 5 is an end elevation ofthe assembled engine of this invention.

Figure 6 is a detail of a fragment of 'one of the fire chamber units showing one form of securing a compression sealing bar in position, yet permitting relative adjustability thereof.

Figure 7 is a mid-transverse sectional viewvin plan showing manifolds connecting the compression fan with areas adjacent to and in com' .munication with the combustion chambers ,for

scavenging purposes.

Figure' 8 is a side elevation showing the engine of this invention, including exhaust ports and other structural detail.

Figure l9 -is a detail showing one form of check valve in a fuel duct of the fuel injector to prevent return flow of fuely under pressure by the fuel piston. A

In the drawings the reference character i@ indicates the engine of this invention as a whole, wherein i2 is the casing within which the several elements of the engine function, the casing being supported upon brackets or legs i i which are only representative of a general means to support the engine in operable position. The present supporting means may or may not be specifically used, depending upon the service in which the engine is employed.

The casing i2 is formed with va central sector i2a which is substantially round upon the interior face thereof, but is in open communication with the laterally positioned sectors i2b and 82e.

The casing i2a Ais provided with air inlet and exhaust gas manifolds i6 and i6, while manifolds 20 and 22 are adapted to permit exhaust of gases which may be retained in the rotatable fire chambers 24 and 26, and 28 and 30, as well as introduce a measure of vfresh air therein, prior to the next subsequent charge of air and -fuel for combustion.

A power shaft 32 journalled in bearings 34, is mounted in the transverse center of the casing i2a for rotation.

'I'he shaft 32 as a matter of construction would be formed as a separate unit upon which is iixedly positioned a power impulse unit 38 which is provided with oppositely positioned gear tooth segments 40 and 42, and with lobes 44 and 46 which are oppositely positioned with respect to one another, and intermediately of the ends of the oppositely situated segments 40 and 42. The impulse unit is provided with spokes 48 which are in the nature of radial fan blades and are utilized for the dual purpose of structural strength, and as a means of drawing air inwardly for cooling purposes and for the purpose of charging the combustion chambers 24, 26, 28, and 30 with4 air under a relatively low pressure prior to fuel injection, as will be hereinafter more definitely set forth.

. The sectors 12b and I2c are adapted to receive units and 52 which are provided with the fire chambers aforementioned by inwardly directing certain of the peripheral surfaces thereof.

Toothed segments 54 and 56, and 58 and 80 positioned ,intermediately of the fire chambers, are adapted to .be meshed with the segments 40 and 42 \of the impulse unit 38.

Since the lobes 44 and 46 act in co-operation with the several fire chambers 24, 26, 28, and 30 in order to obtain compression prior to fuel inimportance that the lobes and lire chambers be so constructed that following disengagement of the toothed segments aforementioned, a lobe, such as lobe 4l, begin to enter the recess forming nre chamber 26 and that upon the beginning of such engagement or nesting, point A be in coniection and ilring thereof, it is of the utmost.

2,275,265 f Y i I shuts, being free within certain 'limits to'move` tact with root B of power lobe 44 and that durving continued rotation of the lobe, point Asmove over, upon, and in constant contact with thecurved surface of the lobe between the points'B and C thereof, and likewise as the lobe M moves past its medial horizontal center the point D moves over, upon, and in constant contact with the curved surface of the lobe 46 between the points E and F thereof.

The curve of the recesses or fire chambers may be described as follows since their configuration has been developed by experiment rather than mathematical formula. 4

The surfaces of the lobes beginning at their root base as indicated by letters B and E and extending to their point ofintersection'at G, if such point of intersection were developed instead of foreshortened in the drawings, form curves of constantly varying degree.

The pitch diameter of the impulse unit is equal to the pitch diameter of either of the units 60 or 62, and may be of any diameter to suit the required poweroutput. If the impulse unit is rotatably mounted upon o sxed axis and one f the units sn or sz is mounted upon such an axis as to be in normal mesh therewith, and are then rotated in constant g rates of speed, the inner line of the curvature D, G, A, of the re chambers 24,26, 26, and 66 may be Ydescribed as that line drawn by the point Points D and A are thus located at the-intersection of the curve drawn by point G and the pitch circle of units or 52.

Going through the same portion of rotation as delineated in the drawings by the surface D-G-A, pointsD and A will draw along the line B, A, G, and F, D, G respectively. The outermost portion of the surface E, G, B, is then machined to coincide withv the inner surface of sector |2a, thusforming a sealing surface along the ixmer wall of sector |2a, and also permits air in the compression chamber to pass from in front of the lobe, to mix with injected fuel and be ignited behind the lobe, thereby insuring a proper fuel and air mixture.

It has been found that if the inner faces 21 of the nre chambers are thus defined, the points A and D on the pitch line of re chamber 26, and like points on the several other fire chambers, are in constant contact with the. curved surfaces of the lobes 44 and 46, thereby effectively sealing against loss of compression during the compression interval, and likewise sealing against undue lossvof pressure gas following ignition of the fuel charge.

It may behere stated that an insert of suitable steel in the form of a transversely extending bar may be used to form the actual points ofrengagement A and D with the lobes of the impulse unit, serving in the manner of the standard piston ring to compensate for wear, etc.

As shown in Figure 6, the bar 60' may be secured in position by means of a pin |61 seated in the half-tooth |66 against which the bar in the direction or rotation pon suon pin, whiie being held in practical contact with the. pitchl -line seat I'II therefor, by means of`screw |16.

Clearance is provided in the bar 6I for adjustmeanwhile the screw is threadedly engaged in thestructure 6|, which is typical of all of the units'll and 62.

Sealing rings 62 fitted within an annular groove 6l in the walls 66 of sectors`|2a, and'lb, and |2c and likewise fitting into complementary grooves 64a in the side-walls of each of the units 66 and 62, and of the impulse unit 36, provide a seal against undue loss of pressure with respect to these surfaces.

Reference will now be made to the structure devised to fuel the engine of this invention.

The power shaft 32 may be, as previously stated, either formed as a separate unit with respect to the impulse unit per se, or it may be formed integrally therewith and then machined to precision. However in either case, the power shaft is tubular in part to receive anon-rotatable tapered shaft 'I0 which is formed with cams l2 along the tapered face 14 thereof. The shaft 32 is provided with an opening 16 which is threaded `to -adjustably receive a tube 18 through which fuell may pass. The flattened end 66 of each of the lobes is provided with an aperture 62 to permit insertion of the tube 18, while a lock-nut 64 in threaded engagement with the tube 'I6 and seated upon a boss 66 is adapted to provide a degree of adjustment therein as may be required. v

The tube 'I6 is counter-bored 'at its outer end to receive an adjustable and replaceable tip 88, while a. ball check valve 66 held in position by means of a spring S2 is adapted to prevent backfire back'pressure into the tube '16. 'Apiston 9A having an enlarged end 66 which is adapted to ride over the cams 'I2 for the'purpose of recipin open communication with a cored passageway |06 which in turn terminates in the opening |00 whereby fuel may be conducted toa point between the ball check valve 80 and the free end of the stem 96. A check valve |06 prevents the return of fuel from the opening |00. Fuel is conducted through the flexible tube I I0, thence through the passageway 1| in shaft l0 tothe free end (tapered) thereof, from which it flows to fill the cavity ||2, flowing upwardly to enter groove |02.

The tapered shaft 10 is movable inwardly or outwardly through a gland |20 secured upon the free end of the power shaft 62, thus tending to prevent loss of fuel which is of course fed in will Abe given a greater or lesser throw. The y' lgreater the length of the str oke'of stem 66, the

greater will be the volume of fuel ejected from v the opening |06.

Movement of the shaft 'I6 may be accomplished by means of suitable leverage, one form of which is shown in Figure 2, wherein a bracket |24 secured to the exterior wall 65 is adapted to pivotally support a finger |26, one end of which is positioned between bosses |28 on the shaft 10, while the other end thereof is suitably connected through rod |30 with a control lever, not shown.

The Wall 65 is provided with suitable openings |40 through which air may ow byinduction to enter the interior 38a of impulse unit 38, and from which it is forced by reason of the action of the fan blades (spokes) 48, which form part of the structure of the impulse unit, through openings |42 to enter the compression fan chamber |44, from which it is evacuated by the action of compression fan |46, flowing outwardly to enter the inlet divisions ith, lsb of the manifolds I6 and i8.

Operation of the engine of this inventionmay be described as follows:

A standard crank or other means operable through the coupling E56 may be used to initially turn the engine over, thereby compressing a volume of air in the compression or nre chamber 26, and in timed relation thereto, causing a charge of fuel to be injected into the compression chamber, following which the mixture of air and fuel is ignited by means of spark plugs |58. The resulting explosion forces power lobe 44 of the impulse unit 38 in a downward direction as indicated by arrow X. Simultaneously therewith, or in other pre-arranged order, lobe 46 compresses a charge of air and fuel, which is ignited in the manner just described, and which is quite ordinary insofar as the mere act of compressing air and fuel, and then lgniting the same is concerned.

Explosion of the fuel charge in chamber 30, forces lobe 46 in an upward direction as indicated by arrow Y.

Explosion of a fuel charge in chamber 30 forces lobe 46 in an upward direction as indicated by the arrow Y, while in chamber 26, gases resulting from the last previousexplosion therein, escape through exhaust outlet |8a in manifold I8, and gases from the burning fuelcharge in chamber 30 escape through the exhaust outlet |6a in manifold I6, while residual gases in the combustion chambers 24,-26, 28, and 30 are enabled to exhaust through divisions 20a and 22a of manifolds 20 and 22, and as a subsequent phase of rotation of the chambers, a measure of fresh air is enabled to flow through the divisions Zlib and 22h of the manifolds 2|) and 22 prior to the next subsequent fuel charge because of inflowing air from ducts 20e and 22e.

The engine of this invention is noteworthy in numerous particulars, among which may be pointed out the following:

(l) A minimum of moving parts, hence increased operating emciency.

'(2) Low costdue to extreme simplicity of construction, and minimum number of accessories.

(3) Minimum parts replacement due to simplicity of construction and minimum of accessories.

(4) A radical departure :from conventional types of engine construction. in general.

(5) The application ofanew principle in compressing a combustible iuel 'char3e.

(6) The development of a new type of engine, wherein all parts are rotative, except the fuel injection system, and wherein lobes upon the impulse unit are adapted to enter recesses in revolvable units which form the counterpart of the cylinder-head in the conventional type of engine.

It is obvious that various changes in detail of minor importance may be made in the structure shown in the drawings and described in the specification, and the scope of the invention is not to'be construed as limited thereby, but rather the measure of the invention is to be determined by the scope of the appended claims, the drawing and specification being merely illustrative of the principle founded herein, and upon which the invention rests.

I claim:

l. An internal combustion engine comprising in combination and including a housing structure therefor, an impulse unit, lobes on said impulse unit, combustion chamber units adapted to synchronously rotate with said impulse unit, said units being formed with recesses adapted to receive said lobes in such manner that an edge of one of said recesses is in constant contact with one of the faces of one of said lobes from the beginning to the end of a cycle of engagement thereof, means to introduce fuel into a combustion chamber at the time of approximate maximum engagement of one of said lobes and recesses, means to ignite fuel, and means to scavenge the products of combustion thereof.

2. In a rotary engine having a rotatable impulse unit provided with lobes adapted to nest within rotatable combustion chambers associated therewith and having air intake and eX- haust ports, the combination of dual means to introduce air under pressure into said combustion chambers, said dual means comprising radial fan-like blades extending from a central power shaft in the impulse unit to inner peripherial surfaces of the impulse unit whereby upon rotation air is drawn into the unit and is subsequently expelled through said exhaust ports, a compression fan, manifolds extending from adjacent said compression fan to said combustion chambers, said compression fan being'driven by said power shaft and being adapted to receive air discharged from said air-exhaust ports to force the same through said manifolds to 'said combustion chambers.

3. In a rotary engine having a sealed casing adapted to house an impulse unit provided with lobes adapted to nest within rotatable combustion chambers associated therewith, the combination of means to charge said combustion chambers with air for vcombustion of fuel ignitable therein, said means comprising a rotatablev impeller located within and rotatable with said impulse unit, 'a second impeller, said second impeller being operable in unison with said impulse unit and being adapted to receive air from Ysaid rst mentioned impeller and to deliver the same to a manifold from which said air will enter said combustion chambers, and other manifolds, sald last mentioned manifolds being adapted to permit exhaust of burned gases.

EDWARD L. STRAUB. 

